Do You Know the Signs of a Traumatic Brain Injury?

Traumatic brain injuries are just as serious as they sound. The results can be life changing depending on the injury, and initially it can be difficult to see what the long-term impact of suffering one can be. Another thing to note is that traumatic brain injuries are not always immediately obvious; this is why it’s integral to seek medical advice even if the person who has been involved feels fine and is not exhibiting any of the symptoms. It’s better to be safe than sorry, so always ensure to see a doctor if you suspect someone may have any kind of head injury, no matter the perceived severity.

Here are some of the more common signs of a traumatic brain injury:

1. Body – lack of balance, blackouts, tiredness, feelings faint, ringing of ears, lack of balance, stiff muscles
2. Cognitive – amnesia, confusion, difficulty speaking/understanding language, unable to focus, difficulty understanding, lack of memory (new events), lack of recognition, sensitive to sound , blackouts
3. Gastro – vomiting, nausea, lack of appetite
4. Eyes – pupils dilated or unequal, sensitive to light, blurred vision
5. Mood – anxiety, feelings of isolation and anger or apathy
6. Speech – slurred
7. Behavior – excessive/consistent laugher/crying, impulsivity, repetition of words/actions, aggression, depression

There may also be physical evidence, such as bruising, bleeding, and swelling. Even if a person has no physical symptoms that does not mean they are ok – they should seek medical attention regardless.

Mild traumatic brain injury symptoms can be temporary and clear up after a few weeks, but with more severe injuries it is difficult to know how long the behavior and physical symptoms created may last; each case is dependent on many factors including the type and length of rehabilitation. Symptoms may also not develop for days or even weeks after the initial incident. It is even more difficult to know if a child has suffered a serious brain injury as they cannot express themselves as easily, so be sure to speak with a professional as soon as possible to be on the safe side.